Radio resource management (RRM) measurement for new radio (NR) network

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are provided for RRM measurement in the NR network. In one novel aspect, the RRM measurement is configured with one measurement gap for SS block and CSI-RS. In one embodiment, an extended MGL (eMGL) is configured such that the SS block and CSI-RS is measurement within one measurement gap. In another embodiment, the shorter MGL (sMGL) that is shorter than the standard MGL is configured. In another novel aspect, the CSI-RS is allocated adjacent to the SS blocks such that one measurement gap is configured for both the SS block and CSI-RS measurement. In another novel aspect, the CSI-RS measurement is conditionally configured. In yet another novel aspect, the UE decodes the time index of the SS block conditionally.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 U.S. provisionalapplication 62/520,627 entitled “Method for NR RRM Measurement” filed onJun. 16, 2017, and application 62/524,670 entitled “Method for NR RRMMeasurement” filed on Jun. 26, 2017, the subject matter of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to wireless communication,and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for power-efficientradio resource management (RRM) for new radio (NR) network.

BACKGROUND

Mobile networks communication continues to grow rapidly. The mobile datausage will continue skyrocketing. New data applications and serviceswill require higher speed and more efficient. Large data bandwidthapplication continues to attract more consumers. New technologies aredeveloped to meet the growth such as carrier aggregation (CA), whichenables operators, vendors, content providers and the other mobile usersto meet the increasing requirement for the data bandwidth. 5G wirelessnetwork implements NR technologies can improve the network capacity.

In an LTE network, the measurement gap is used for inter-frequencymeasurement. In NR, the measurement gap is used for inter-frequencymeasurement, intra-frequency measurement with gap, and intra-frequencymeasurement without gap when all the measurement resource are overlappedby the measurement gap. For RRM measurement in NR, UE can be configuredto measure synchronization signal (SS) blocks and/or channel stateinformation reference signal (CSI-RS). The transaction of SS block isconfined in 5 ms time window while the transmission of the CSI-RS couldhave moved with more flexibility. This adds the complexity of the RRMmeasurement for the SS blocks and the CSI-RS.

Improvements and enhancements are required to configure and perform RRMmeasurement for the NR network more efficiently.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods are provided for RRM measurement in the NRnetwork. In one novel aspect, the RRM measurement is configured with onemeasurement gap for SS block and CSI-RS. In one embodiment, an extendedMGL (eMGL) is configured such that the SS block and CSI-RS ismeasurement within one measurement gap. In another embodiment, theshorter MGL (sMGL) that is shorter than the standard MGL is configured.In yet another embodiment, a single common measurement duration and asingle common timing offset are configured for different CSI-RSresources. In one embodiment, the RRM measurement configurationconfigures both an SS block measurement and a CSI-RS measurement whenthe UE performs an initial synchronization, and wherein the measurementgap is configured with an extended measurement gap length (eMGL) largerthan a standard MGL such that both the SS block and the CSI-RS aremeasured within the eMGL. In another embodiment, the RRM measurementconfiguration configures only a CSI-RS measurement after the UE performsan initial synchronization, and wherein the measurement gap isconfigured with short measurement gap length (sMGL) smaller than astandard MGL. In yet another embodiment, the RRM configuration and themeasurement gap configuration are configured by dedicated signaling.

In another novel aspect, the CSI-RS is allocated adjacent to the SSblocks such that one measurement gap is configured for both the SS blockand CSI-RS measurement. In one embodiment, the CSI-RS is allocated in aphysical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) symbol before the SS block. Inanother embodiment, the CSI-RS is allocated in a physical downlinkshared channel (PDSCH) symbol after the SS block. In yet anotherembodiment, the SS block is an SS burst block across multiple analogbeams, and wherein CSI-RS is allocated in a physical downlink sharedchannel (PDSCH) symbol after the SS block. In one embodiment, the sameanalog beamforming applies to both the SS burst block and the CSI-RSburst block.

In another novel aspect, the CSI-RS measurement is conditionallyconfigured. In one embodiment, the UE receives a RRM measurementconfiguration that includes a conditional measurement configuration forCSI-RS measurement. The conditional measurement configuration for CSI-RSis based on one of triggering conditions comprising: a measurementresult for beam management from a serving cell, a synchronization signal(SS)-block measurement result, and no triggering condition.

In yet another novel aspect, the UE decodes the time index of the SSblock conditionally. The UE performs RRM measurement by the UE in aCONNECTED state based on the received RRM measurement configuration,wherein the UE only decodes a time index of configured SS block when oneor more time-index triggering conditions are detected. In oneembodiment, the UE performs RRM measurement on SS block of a servingcell and one or more neighboring cells to derive SS-block measurement.In one embodiment, the time-index triggering conditions comprising: achannel condition, a random-access channel (RACH) optimization isdisabled, and a NBR CSI-RS is configured and is sufficient for RACHoptimization. In one embodiment, the RRM measurement configurationincludes a conditional measurement configuration for CSI-RS measurementbased on one of triggering conditions comprising: a measurement resultfor beam management from a serving cell, a SS block measurement result,and no triggering condition.

Other embodiments and advantages are described in the detaileddescription below. This summary does not purport to define theinvention. The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components,illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a NR wireless network 100 with SSblock and/or CSI-RS measurement configured for the RRM measurement inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary diagrams of measurement gap configurationfor the UE in the NR network such that the SS black and CSI-RSmeasurement are performed in one measurement gap in accordance withembodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary diagrams of a UE performs an initialsynchronization and fine synchronization with different RRM measurementconfiguration in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary table of the CSI-RS configuration withexemplary configuration values in accordance with embodiments of thecurrent invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary table of the CSI-RS configuration withexemplary configuration values when reusing configuration of CSI-RS forbeam management in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary diagrams for the UE handover procedure inthe CONNECTED mode with RRM measurement in the NR network in accordancewith embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 6A exemplary diagrams of CSI-RS placement within five millisecondsof the SS burst and is adjacent to the SS block for 15/30/120 kHzscenarios in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 6B exemplary diagrams of CSI-RS placement within five millisecondsof the SS burst and is adjacent to the SS block for 240 kHz scenarios inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary diagrams for the CSI-RS being placed afterthe SS burst window in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for a RRM measurementconfiguration with one measurement gap for SS block and CSI-RS inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of allocating the CSI-RSadjacent to the SS blocks for RRM measurement in accordance withembodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of the conditionallyconfigures the CSI-RS for RRM measurement in accordance with embodimentsof the current invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of UE decoding the timeindex of the SS block conditionally in accordance with embodiments ofthe current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a NR wireless network 100 with SSblock and/or CSI-RS measurement configured for the RRM measurement inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention. Wirelesscommunication system 100 includes one or more wireless networks each ofthe wireless communication network has fixed base infrastructure units,such as receiving wireless communications devices or base unit 102 103,and 104, forming wireless networks distributed over a geographicalregion. The base unit may also be referred to as an access point, anaccess terminal, a base station, a Node-B, an eNode-B, a gNB, or byother terminology used in the art. Each of the base unit 102, 103, and104 serves a geographic area. The base unit performs beamforming in theNR network. Backhaul connections 113, 114 and 115 connect thenon-co-located receiving base units, such as 102, 103, and 104. Thesebackhaul connections can be either ideal or non-ideal

A wireless communications device 101 in wireless network 100 is servedby base station 102 via uplink 111 and downlink 112. Other UEs 105, 106,107, and 108 are served by different base stations. UEs 105 and 106 areserved by base station 102. UE 107 is served by base station 104. UE 108is served by base station 103. In one novel aspect, RRM measurement isconfigured by NR network 100 such that the SS block and the CSI-RS aremeasured within one measurement gap. The measurement gap length (MGL)can be configured with a standard MGL (6 ms), or an extended length, theeMGL or a short length, the sMGL. The UE performing an initialsynchronization that both the SS block and the CSI-RS are measured maybe configured with one standard MGL, or one eMGL, or one sMGL. Both SSblock and the CSI-RS can be measured within one measurement gap, suchthat UE doesn't need to retune its RF twice. The UE performing aninitial synchronization with only SS block may be configured with thestandard MGL, or the eMGL, or the sMGL. Which types of MGL is configureddepends on the length of SMTC (SS block based RRM measurement timingconfiguration) window duration. The UE performing a fine synchronizationwith only CSI-RS may be configured with the standard MGL, or the eMGL,or the sMGL. Which types of MGL is configured depends on the length ofCSI-RS. In another embodiment, the CRI-RS is allocated adjacent to theSS block. In yet another embodiment, a single common measurementduration and a single common timing offset for different CSI-RS resourceare signaling to form the CSI-RS burst.

FIG. 1 further shows simplified block diagrams of wireless device/UE 101and base station 102 in accordance with the current invention.

Base station 102 has an antenna 126, which transmits and receives radiosignals. A RF transceiver module 123, coupled with the antenna, receivesRF signals from antenna 126, converts them to baseband signals and sendsthem to processor 122. RF transceiver 123 also converts receivedbaseband signals from processor 122, converts them to RF signals, andsends out to antenna 126. Processor 122 processes the received basebandsignals and invokes different functional modules to perform features inbase station 102. Memory 121 stores program instructions and data 124 tocontrol the operations of base station 102. Base station 102 alsoincludes a set of control modules, such as a RRM measurement circuit 181that configures RRM measurement and communicates with UEs to implementthe RRM measurement functions.

UE 101 has an antenna 135, which transmits and receives radio signals. ARF transceiver module 134, coupled with the antenna, receives RF signalsfrom antenna 135, converts them to baseband signals and sends them toprocessor 132. RF transceiver 134 also converts received basebandsignals from processor 132, converts them to RF signals, and sends outto antenna 135. Processor 132 processes the received baseband signalsand invokes different functional modules to perform features in mobilestation 101. Memory 131 stores program instructions and data 136 tocontrol the operations of mobile station 101.

UE 101 also includes a set of control modules that carry out functionaltasks. These functions can be implemented in software, firmware andhardware. A RRM measurement configuration circuit 191 configures a RRMmeasurement configuration, wherein the RRM measurement configurationincludes a conditional measurement configuration for channel stateinformation reference signal (CSI-RS) measurement. A RRM measurementcircuit 192 performs a RRM measurement based on the RRM measurementconfiguration and the measurement gap configuration and performs a RRMmeasurement in a UE CONNECTED state based on the received RRMmeasurement configuration. A RRM measurement gap circuit 193 obtains ameasurement gap configuration such that all configured RRM measurementsare performed within one configured measurement gap. A RRM measurementreport circuit transmits a measurement report to the NR network, whereinthe NR network determines a target cell for handover based on themeasurement report.

In one novel aspect, the measurement gap is configured such that the SSblock and CSI-RS measurements are performed within one measurement gap.In one embodiment, MGL is configured to accommodate both the SS blockand CSI-RS measurements.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary diagrams of measurement gap configurationfor the UE in the NR network such that the SS black and CSI-RSmeasurement are performed in one measurement gap in accordance withembodiments of the current invention. In LTE, measurement gap is usedfor inter-frequency measurement. The measurement gap is specified by MGLand measurement gap repetition period (MGRP). Diagram 210 illustratesthe measurement gap configuration with the MGL 211 and MGRP 212. The MGLand MGRP has standard or default configuration values. In one example,the standard MGL value is 6 ms and the standard MGRP value is 40 ms.

In NR network, the UE performs RRM measurement during the MGL period.Longer MGL reduces scheduling opportunities and degrades systemperformance and blocks HARQ transmission. In the NR network, for RRMmeasurement, the UE can be configured to measure both the SS blockand/or CSI-RS. The transmission of SS blocks is confirmed in SMTC windowduration, while the transmission of CSI-RS could have more flexibility.Such combination complicates the design of the measurement gap for theNR network. In one embodiment, the extended MGL (eMGL) is configured toaccommodate both the SS block burst and the CSI-RS burst. Diagram 220illustrates the eMGL configuration. Configuration 220 has an eMGL 221and an MGRP 222. As an example, the MGRP 222 is the standard MGRP valueof 40 ms. The eMGL is longer than the standard MGL by x ms as shown in223. The eMGL has a value of the standard MGL plus x. In one example,the eMGL is 6 ms+x. SS block burst 225 and CSI-RS burst 226 cannot fitin the standard MGL but can be measured within one eMGL 221. The same isthe SS burst 227 and CSI-RS burst 228. With the eMGL configured, the UEcan perform the SS block and CSI-RS RRM measurement within onemeasurement gap. With the short MGL configuration, the systemperformance is improved.

In another embodiment, a short MGL (sMGL) can be configured when onlythe CSI-RS needs to measured. Illustrated in configuration diagram 230,MGL 231 is a sMGL. sMGL is x ms shorter than the standard MGL, asillustrated by 233. In one example, MGL 231 is a value of (6-x)milliseconds. MGRP 232 remains the standard MGRP value. As illustrated,only CSI-RS burst 236 is measured during the measurement gap while SSburst 235 falls outside the measurement gap and is not measured. Thesame applies to SS burst 237, which falls outside of the measurement gapand is not measured while CSI-RS burst 238 is measured during themeasurement gap with the sMGL.

In the NR network, the RRM measurement configuration process configuresRRM measurement gap as well as other RRM measurement parametersincluding the SS block configuration and the CSI-RS configuration. TheRRM measurement gap configuration includes MGL, MGRP and the time offsetof measurement gap. These RRM measurement related configuration can besignaled to the UE by the network. The configuration can beupdated/changed based on one or more conditions.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary diagrams of a UE performs an initialsynchronization and fine synchronization with different RRM measurementconfiguration in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.In one embodiment, the UE in the CONNECTED mode performs RRM measurementwith standard MGL, or eMGL, or sMGL based on the synchronization stage.At step 301, the UE starts the RRM measurement procedure in CONNECTEDmode. At step 302, the UE determines whether an initial synchronizationis performed. If step 302 determines yes that an initial synchronizationis performed, at step 311, the initial synchronization is performedbased on SS block of other cells. At step 321, the UE measures both theSS block and the CSI-RS. In one embodiment, the UE is configured withthe eMGL for step 321. In another embodiment, the UE is configured withthe standard MGL. If step 302 determines no that it is not an initialsynchronization, the UE performs fine synchronization without SS blockat step 312. At step 322, the UE measures the CSI-RS only. In oneembodiment, the UE is configured with sMGL.

Block 331 also illustrates an exemplary configuration for RRMmeasurement in the NR network. The configuration may include a RRMmeasurement gap configuration and a RRM measurement configuration. TheRRM measurement configuration may include configuration parametersincluding the MGL, the MGRP and the time offset of the measurement gap.The RRM measurement configuration may include the SMTC configurationsand the CSI-RS configuration. The SMTC configurations may include one ormore elements including the SMTC window periodicity, SMTC windowduration, and the timing offset of the SMTC window, and the power offseton NR-SSS and PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS). If the poweroffset on the two reference signals of the NR-SSS and the PBCH DMRS isnon-zero, the UE needs this information so that the power estimation isnot biased. The CSI-RS configuration includes one or more elementsincluding the cell identification (ID), the scrambling ID, the CSI-RSperiodicity and timing offset, the measurement bandwidth of the CSI-RS,the frequency location/the starting point of the sequence of the CSI-RS,the numerology of the CSI-RSI and the quasi-co-location (QCL) of theCSI-RS. In one embodiment, the RRM configuration parameters areconfigured by dedicated signaling.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary table of the CSI-RS configuration withexemplary configuration values in accordance with embodiments of thecurrent invention. In on embodiment, the CSI-RS measurementconfiguration is DMTC (discovery reference signal measurement timingconfiguration)-type of CSI-RS burst. The configuration parameters, asillustrated include the bandwidth, the numerology, the measurementduration, the periodicity, the timing offset, the resource ID, and thecell ID. In one embodiment, the single measurement duration and thesingle measurement timing offset for different CSI-RS ID can besignaled.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary table of the CSI-RS configuration withexemplary configuration values when reusing configuration of CSI-RS forbeam management in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.In one embodiment, as illustrated, the CSI-RS measurement configurationcan reuse the CSI-RS for beam management configuration if thecorresponding cell ID indicates the serving cell. The configurationparameters include the bandwidth, the numerology, the periodicity, theresource ID, the cell ID, and the timing offset to the time reference.In one embodiment, the time reference is the SS block.

In one novel aspect, the UE in the CONNECTED mode in the NR networkperforms RRM measurement for handover procedures with SS block andCSI-RS measurements. In one embodiment, the UE configures the CSI-RSmeasurement conditionally based on one or more predefined triggeringevents. In another embodiment, the UE decodes the time index of the SSblock conditionally based on one or more predefined triggeringconditions.

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary diagrams for the UE handover procedure inthe CONNECTED mode with RRM measurement in the NR network in accordancewith embodiments of the current invention. At step 500, the UE performshandover procedure in the CONNECTED mode. At step 501, the UE obtainsthe RRM measurement configuration. In one embodiment, the UE obtains themeasurement configuration from the network including the measurementconfiguration for the SS block, the reporting configuration, and otherparameters comprising a white list of candidate neighboring gNBs and afrequency priority list. The SS block configuration includes one or moreelements including the time to trigger, the measurement gapconfiguration, and the indicator of whether to measure the RSRQ. Thereporting configuration includes one or more elements including thehandover criterion, the indicator of whether it is periodic orevent-driven, and the NR measurement reporting event.

The UE may need to measure many CSI-RS. In one novel aspect, the CSI-RSmeasurement can be conditionally configured. In one embodiment, theCSI-RS measurement configuration can be triggered based on channelcondition by monitoring the beam and be associated with the beam, suchas the SS block. The CRI-RS measurement configuration can also betriggered by SS-block RSRP, including the serving cell and/or theneighboring cells. It can also be triggered by the CSI-RS for beammanagement, which is not performed for the neighboring CSI-RS. The RRMCSI-RS for the serving cell could be burst-like, the CSI-RS are confinedwithin a given time interval. In yet another embodiment, the CSI-RSmeasurement is unconditionally configured, which is the same as thetriggering condition no triggering condition required.

At step 502, the UE performs RRM measurement. In one embodiment, the UEperforms the measurement on SS block of the serving cell and the one ormore neighboring cells to drive SS-block RSRP and/or RSRQ. In anotherembodiment, the UE decodes the time index of SS block conditionallybased on one or more predefined conditions. The conditionally triggereddecoding the time index increases the UE computation and reduces powerconsumption. The time index reporting is not decoded when detecting ahigh signal noise ratio (SNR). The time index reporting not decoded whenthe RACH optimization is not desirable. In another embodiment, the timeindex reporting is not reported when the NBR CSI-RS is configured andits channel quality is sufficient for RACH optimization. In yet anotherembodiment, if the measurement configuration for CSI-RS is configured,the UE performs measurement on CSI-RS and derives CSI-RS RSRP and/orCSI-RS RSRQ.

At step 503, the UE sends the measurement report to the serving cell. Inone embodiment, the measurement report is sent when the correspondingreporting condition is met and the corresponding measurement event istriggered. The measurement report at least includes the cell ID and themeasurement results. The measurement results can be one or more of theRSRP, the RSRQ or the RSSI. The measurement report could also includethe time index of the SS block.

At step 504, the UE receives a handover command. The serving celldecides the target cell and prepares the candidate target cell via thebackhaul based on the measurement report. The handover command at leastincludes the target cell ID. In one embodiment, the contention-free RACHoptimization with beam correspondence is implemented to save the RACHresource. Instead of allocating dedicated RACH on every beam, the beamcorrespondence RACH optimization is implement. The dedicated RACHparameters can be configured in the handover command and is associatedwith the DL SS block or the CSI-RS.

At step 505, the UE connects to the target cell. If the handoverprocedure is successful, the UE sends the handover complete message tothe target gNB.

In another novel aspect, the CSI-RS placement is adjacent to the SSblock as much as possible such that the single measurement gapconfiguration is enough for both the CSI-RS and the SS blockmeasurement. In one embodiment, the CSI-RS placement is within fivemilliseconds of the SS burst and is adjacent to the SS block. In anotherembodiment, CSI-RS placement is after the SS burst. The SS blockincludes the primary SS (PSS) and the secondary SS (SSS) block. Thechannel structure of the SS block may have the PSS and the SSS blockright next to each other. In another channel structure, the PSS blockand the SSS block are adjacent to each with other channel block inbetween. In one possible channel structure, the physical broadcastchannel (PBCH), the PSS block and the SSS are in consecutive symbols andform the SS/PBCH blocks. In one configuration, a PBCH block, an SSSblock, a PSS block, and a PBCH block occupy consecutive symbols inascending order. In another configuration, a PSS block, a PBCH block, anSSS block, and a PBCH block occupy consecutive symbols in ascendingorder. Other possible channel structures are possible. It is understoodby one of ordinary skills in the art that the general principle ofhaving the CSI-RS placement to be adjacent to the SS block as much aspossible such that the single measurement gap configuration is enoughfor both the CSI-RS and the SS block measurement applies to differentchannel structures. In one embodiment, the CSI-RS is allocated in thePDSCH symbol adjacent to the SS block. There is at least one symbolPDSCH after each SS block, which can be used for the CSI-RStransmission. By placing the CSI-RS in the PDSCH symbol adjacent to theSS block, the CSI-RS can share the same analog beamforming with the SSblock. The CSI RS can additionally have its own digital beamforming.Depending on the PDSCH availability, the CSI-RS can be placed before orafter the SS block. There is no need to configure two different MGLs forthe SS block and the CSI-RS separately. The UE can receive the SS blocksand the CSI RS of particular cell within one MGL. The RF tuning time issaved. In one embodiment, the MGL can remain to be standard MGL as sixmilliseconds when the CSI-RS is placed adjacent to the SS blocks. Thefollowing figures are exemplary scenarios for the placement of theCSI-RS. The examples are not exhausted. Other possibilities of placingthe CSI-RS block adjacent to the SS blocks are also valid.

FIG. 6A exemplary diagrams of CSI-RS placement within five millisecondsof the SS burst and is adjacent to the SS block for 15/30/120 kHzscenarios in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.Diagram 610 illustrates a first exemplary allocation of the CSI-RS. TheCSI-RS are allocated in the NR-PDSCH. As illustrated, the NR-PDSCH arewithin the SS block 615 next to the PBCH and adjacent to the SS blockand so is the same configuration for SS block 617. Further both theNR-PDSCH block with the CSI-RS and the SS block are within the sameanalog beam, namely analog beam 611 and analog beam 613. Similarly, SSblock 612 and SS block 614 contains NR-PDSCH, which are after the PSSand PBCH to be adjacent to the SS. The NR-PDSCH containing the CSI-RSare within the same analog beam, namely analog beams 616 and 618,respectively. In another example of diagram 620, the CSI-RS blocks areallocated in the NR-PDSCH. As illustrated, the NR-PDSCH are within theSS block 625 next to the PBCH and adjacent to the SS block and so is thesame configuration for SS block 627. Further both the NR-PDSCH blockwith the CSI-RS and the SS block are within the same analog beam, namelyanalog beam 621 and analog beam 623. Similarly, SS block 622 and SSblock 624 contains NR-PDSCH, which are next to the PBCH to be adjacentto the SS. The NR-PDSCH containing the CSI-RS are within the same analogbeam, namely analog beams 626 and 628, respectively. In yet anotherexample of diagram 630, the CSI-RS are allocated in the NR-PDSCH. Asillustrated, the NR-PDSCH are within the SS block 636 next to the PBCHand adjacent to the SS block and so is the same configuration for SSblock 638. Further both the NR-PDSCH block with the CSI-RS and the SSblock are within the same analog beam, namely analog beam 632 and analogbeam 634. Similarly, SS block 631 and SS block 633 contains NR-PDSCH,which are after the PSS and PBCH to be adjacent to the SS. The NR-PDSCHcontaining the CSI-RS are within the same analog beam, namely analogbeams 635 and 637, respectively. The SS blocks, also shown as theSS/PBCH blocks, 615-618, 625-628, and 635-638 are exemplary structuresand so are the channel structure are exemplary. It is understood thatother configurations of the SS block or SS/PBCH block apply as well.

FIG. 6B exemplary diagrams of CSI-RS placement within five millisecondsof the SS burst and is adjacent to the SS block for 240 kHz scenarios inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention. In one example ofdiagram 650, the CSI-RS are allocated in the NR-PDSCH. As illustrated,the NR-PDSCH are within the SS block 655 next to the PBCH and adjacentto the SS block and so is the same configuration for SS block 656, 657,and 658. Further both the NR-PDSCH block with the CSI-RS and the SSblock are within the same analog beam, namely analog beams 651, 652,653, and 654, respectively. In another example of diagram 660, theCSI-RS are allocated in the NR-PDSCH. As illustrated, the NR-PDSCH arewithin the SS block 665 next to the PBCH and adjacent to the SS blockand so is the same configuration for SS block 667. Further both theNR-PDSCH block with the CSI-RS and the SS block are within the sameanalog beam, namely analog beam 661 and analog beam 663. Similarly, SSblock 662 and SS block 664 contains NR-PDSCH, which are after the PSSand PBCH to be adjacent to the SS. The NR-PDSCH containing the CSI-RSare within the same analog beam, namely analog beams 666 and 668,respectively. The SS blocks, also shown as the SS/PBCH blocks, 655-658and 665-668 are exemplary structures and so are the channel structureare exemplary. It is understood that other configurations of the SSblock or SS/PBCH block apply as well.

In another embodiment, CSI-RS is allocated after the SS burst windowwith the same analog beam forming order as the SS blocks. In oneembodiment, the CSI-RS is right after the SS burst window. There is noneed to configure two different MGLs for the SS blocks and the CSI-RSseparately. The UE can receive SS blocks and the CSI-RS of particularcell within one MGL. It saves the RF tuning time. The number and thebandwidth of the transmitted CSI-RS can be extended to improvemeasurement accuracy.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary diagrams for the CSI-RS being placed afterthe SS burst window in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention. SS burst 710 includes multiple SS blocks including SS 711, SS712, and SS 715. The CSI-RS burst 720 is placed right after SS burst710. CSI-RS burst 720 has CSI-RS 721, CSI-RS 722, and CSI-RS 725.Similarly, SS burst 750 includes multiple SS blocks including SS 751, SS752, and SS 755. The CSI-RS burst 760 is placed right after SS burst750. CSI-RS burst 760 has CSI-RS 761, CSI-RS 762, and CSI-RS 765. In oneembodiment, the CSI-RS burst has the same analog beam forming order asthe SS blocks. For example, SS 711 has the same beamforming as CSI-RS721. SS 712 and 715 have the same beamforming as CSI-RS 722 and 725,respectively. Similarly, SS 751 has the same beamforming as CSI-RS 761.SS 752 and 755 have the same beamforming as CSI-RS 762 and 765,respectively.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for a RRM measurementconfiguration with one measurement gap for SS block and CSI-RS inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention. At step 801, theUE obtains a RRM measurement configuration in a NR network, wherein theRRM measurement requires the UE performing at least one measurementcomprising: a SS measurement and a CSI-RS measurement. At step 802, theUE obtains a measurement gap configuration by the UE such that allconfigured RRM measurements are performed within one configuredmeasurement gap. At step 803, the UE performs a RRM measurement based onthe RRM measurement configuration and the measurement gap configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of allocating the CSI-RSadjacent to the SS blocks for RRM measurement in accordance withembodiments of the current invention. At step 901, the UE obtains a RRMmeasurement configuration in a NR network, wherein the RRM measurementis performed on a SS block and a CSI-RS. At step 902, the UE obtains aRRM measurement gap configuration, wherein the SS block and the CSI-RSmeasurements are performed within one measurement gap. At step 903, theUE performs a RRM measurement, wherein the CSI-RS is adjacent to the SSblock.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of the conditionallyconfigures the CSI-RS for RRM measurement in accordance with embodimentsof the current invention. At step 1001, the UE receives a RRMmeasurement configuration in a NR network, wherein the RRM measurementconfiguration includes a conditional measurement configuration forCSI-RS measurement. At step 1002, the UE performs RRM measurement by theUE in a CONNECTED state based on the received RRM measurementconfiguration. At step 1003, the UE transmits a measurement report tothe NR network, wherein the NR network determines a target cell forhandover based on the measurement report.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of UE decoding the timeindex of the SS block conditionally in accordance with embodiments ofthe current invention. At step 1101, the UE receives a RRM measurementconfiguration in a NR network, wherein the RRM measurement configurationconfigures at least one measurement comprising: a SS measurement and aCSI-RS measurement. At step 1102, the UE performs RRM measurement by theUE in a CONNECTED state based on the received RRM measurementconfiguration, wherein the UE only decodes a time index of configured SSblock when one or more time-index triggering conditions are detected. Atstep 1103, the UE transmits a measurement report to the NR network,wherein the NR network determines a target cell for handover based onthe measurement report.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withcertain specific embodiments for instructional purposes, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, various modifications,adaptations, and combinations of various features of the describedembodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: obtaining a radio resourcemanagement (RRM) measurement configuration by a user equipment (UE) in awireless network, wherein the RRM measurement configuration indicatesincludes both a synchronization signal (SS) block and a channel stateinformation reference signal (CSI-RS) are to be measured for an RRMmeasurement; obtaining an RRM a measurement gap configuration configuredin the RRM measurement configuration, wherein a measurement gap for theRRM measurement is configured by the RRM measurement configuration witha measurement gap length (MGL), and wherein within which the SS blockand the CSI-RS are configured by the network to be adjacent to eachother without overlapping in the time domain for the RRM measurementwithin the measurement gap; performing the RRM measurement by measuringboth the SS block and the CSI-RS based on indicated by the RRMmeasurement configuration and the RRM measurement gap configuration. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein a single common measurement duration anda single common measurement timing offset are configured for differentCSI-RS resources.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein each CSI-RS isconfigured with one or more parameters comprising: a cell identification(ID), a scrambling ID, a periodicity and timing offset of the CSI-RS, ameasurement bandwidth of the CSI-RS, a frequency location, a numerologyof the CSI-RS, and a quasi-co-location (QCL) of the CSI-RS.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each CSI-RS configuration reuses a beammanagement configuration of each corresponding CSI-RS if itscorresponding cell ID indicates a serving cell.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the RRM configuration and the measurement gap configurationare configured by dedicated signaling.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinthe CSI-RS is allocated in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)symbol after the SS block.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the SSblock is an SS burst block across multiple analog beams, and whereinCSI-RS is allocated in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) symbolafter the SS block.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the same analogbeamforming applies to both the SS burst block and the CSI-RS burstblock.
 9. A user equipment (UE), comprising: a transceiver thattransmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals from one or morebase stations (BS) in a wireless network; a radio resource management(RRM) measurement configuration circuit that obtains an RRM measurementconfiguration, wherein the RRM measurement configuration indicatesincludes both a synchronization signal (SS) block and a channel stateinformation reference signal (CSI-RS) are to be measured for an RRMmeasurement; an RRM measurement gap circuit that obtains an RRM ameasurement gap configuration configured in the RRM measurementconfiguration, wherein a measurement gap for the RRM measurement isconfigured by the RRM measurement configuration with a measurement gaplength (MGL), and wherein within which the SS block and the CSI-RS areconfigured by the network to be adjacent to each other withoutoverlapping in the time domain for the RRM measurement within themeasurement gap; an RRM measurement circuits that performs the RRMmeasurement by measuring both the SS block and the CSI-RS based onindicated by the RRM measurement configuration and the RRM measurementgap configuration.
 10. The UE of claim 9, wherein a single commonmeasurement duration and a single common measurement timing offset areconfigured for different CSI-RS resources.
 11. The UE of claim 10,wherein each CSI-RS is configured with one or more parameterscomprising: a cell identification (ID), a scrambling ID, a periodicityand timing offset of the CSI-RS, a measurement bandwidth of the CSI-RS,a frequency location, a numerology of the CSI-RS, and aquasi-co-location (QCL) of the CSI-RS.
 12. The UE of claim 9, whereineach CSI-RS configuration reuses a beam management configuration of eachcorresponding CSI-RS if its corresponding cell ID indicates a servingcell.
 13. The UE of claim 9, wherein the RRM configuration and themeasurement gap configuration are configured by dedicated signaling. 14.The UE of claim 9, wherein the CSI-RS is allocated in a physicaldownlink shared channel (PDSCH) symbol after the SS block.
 15. The UE ofclaim 9, wherein the SS block is an SS burst block across multipleanalog beams, and wherein CSI-RS is allocated in a physical downlinkshared channel (PDSCH) symbol after the SS block.
 16. The UE of claim15, wherein the same analog beamforming applies to both the SS burstblock and the CSI-RS burst block.